Religion

Peter Tuiasosopo (1963–2025), Necessary Roughness actor

Peter Tuiasosopo was a former NFL center for the Los Angeles Rams who later became an actor, appearing in films including “Street Fighter and “Necessary Roughness.” 

Arthur Blessitt (1940–2025), pastor who traveled with a cross 

Arthur Blessitt was a Christian preacher who went on a record-breaking pilgrimage that saw him carrying a large cross through nearly every nation on Earth.

Tony Campolo (1935–2024), Red-Letter Christians co-founder

Tony Campolo was a pastor, sociologist, author, and spiritual advisor who penned dozens of books, was a popular television-show guest, and co-founded the Red-Letter Christian movement.

Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. (1928–2024), civil rights leader

Rev. James M. Lawson Jr. was a civil rights leader whose focus on non-violent protest proved highly influential to and helped shape the 1960s civil rights movement.

Rev. Bill Lawson (1928–2024), civil rights leader who worked with MLK

Rev. William “Bill” Lawson was a Houston civil rights leader who helped peacefully integrate his city and worked alongside

Rev. Cecil Williams (1929–2024), San Francisco pastor and humanitarian

Rev. Cecil Williams was the pastor of Glide Church in San Francisco for 60 years, turning it from a small congregation to San Francisco’s largest social services provider, one years ahead of its time in welcoming LGBTQ members.

Jerry Savelle (1946–2024), author and televangelist

Jerry Savelle was an author and televangelist who wrote over 70 books, spoke in over 3,000 churches and preached “prosperity gospel,” which says giving to religious causes will bring wealth back to the donor.

Rev. Cecil Murray Sr. (1929–2024), Los Angeles civil rights leader

Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray Sr. was a minister and civil rights leader who emerged as a calming voice during the Los Angeles Riots of 1992.

John Delendick (1949–2023), FDNY chaplain on 9/11

Rev. Monsignor John Delendick was a Catholic chaplain with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) who comforted firefighters and their families at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks.

Carlton Pearson (1953–2023), megachurch founder who denied hell 

Carlton Pearson was a megachurch founder who embraced the idea of universal reconciliation, a fringe Christian doctrine that asserts there is no hell, and all souls will eventually be welcomed by God, and was branded as a heretic by the evangelical fundamentalist church as a result. 

M. Russell Ballard (1928–2023), Mormon leader

M. Russell Ballard was a Mormon leader who stood second in line to lead the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS Church) as president. 

Pat Robertson (1930–2023), televangelist who hosted The 700 Club

Pat Robertson was a former Southern Baptist minister and political commentator who founded the Christian Broadcasting Network and hosted its flagship show, “The 700 Club,” since 1966.

Rev. Timothy Keller (1950–2023), pastor and bestselling author

Rev. Timothy Keller was the well-known pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan, New York, as well as the author of bestselling books of Christianity and faith.

Rabbi Harold S. Kushner (1935–2023), best-selling author and lecturer 

Rabbi Harold S. Kushner was the author of “When Bad Things Happen to Good People” and other works that helped bring complex thoughts on loss and theology to a wide audience, regardless of their beliefs.

Rev. Charles Stanley (1932–2023), influential In Touch Ministries pastor 

The Rev. Charles Stanley was an influential pastor known for his TV and radio program, “In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley.”

Lucile Randon (1904–2023), world’s oldest person

Lucile Randon , also known as Sister André, was the world’s oldest person and the fourth-oldest authenticated person in history.

Pope Benedict XVI (1927–2022), former pope who stepped down in 2013

Pope Benedict XVI was the former pope, who became the first pope to resign his office voluntarily since 1294.

Sister Janet Mead (1938–2022), nun who sang rock version of “The Lord’s Prayer”

Sister Janet Mead was an Australian Catholic nun who had an international hit single in 1974 with “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Archbishop Desmond Tutu (1931–2021), who helped end apartheid in South Africa

Desmond Tutu was a South African Anglican cleric, outspoken opponent of apartheid and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Phil Saviano (1952–2021), clergy abuse survivor featured in “Spotlight”

Phil Saviano was a survivor of childhood clergy abuse whose work to help other survivors and uncover predatory behavior in the church was featured in the Oscar-winning 2015 film “Spotlight.”

Megan Rice (1930–2021), Catholic nun and nuclear disarmament activist

Sister Megan Rice was a Catholic nun and a well-known activist against nuclear weapons.

Luis Palau (1934–2021), evangelist called “the Billy Graham of Latin America”

Luis Palau was a popular Christian evangelist who worked with and became one of his successors as he preached to the Spanish-speaking audience.

Richard Wolbach (2020), Iwo Jima Marine who became a priest

Richard Wolbach was a Marine who fought in Iwo Jima during World War II. After his service, he was inspired to become a priest.

Ravi Zacharias (1946–2020), popular Christian evangelist

Ravi Zachariaswas a popular Christian evangelistwhofoundedtheRavi Zacharias International Ministriesin Atlanta.

Rev. Joseph Lowery (1921–2020), civil rights leader & MLK colleague

Rev. Joseph Lowery was a leader of the American civil rights movement who cofounded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) along with . He also helped organize the pivotal Montgomery bus boycott.

Jack Van Impe (1931–2020), popular televangelist who preached about the rapture

Jack Van Impe was a televangelist known for his weekly program “Jack Van Impe Presents,” appearing on the Trinity Broadcasting Network for more than 20 years. An evangelical Christian, he commonly spoke about a coming apocalypse that he believed would happen soon. Van Impe co-hosted the program alongside his wife, Rexella, who read recent news while Van Impe interpreted the stories to bolster his vision of the impending end times. Van Impe was active until his recent illness, with his final broadcast coming earlier in January.

Jeff Fenholt (1950–2019), original star of “Jesus Christ Superstar” on Broadway

Jeff Fenholt starred in the original Broadway production of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” playing the title role.

Bible Verses About Strength

The Bible can be a source of strength, giving people the courage to face life’s most difficult challenges. People grieving the loss of a loved one often turn to the Bible for words of comfort and hope. Here are 42 Bible verses to help you find strength and cope with the illness or death of someone you love.

Jewish Funeral Service Rituals

Will you be attending a Jewish funeral for the first time? If so, you may have questions or be unsure what to expect. Here is a general overview of Jewish customs and traditions surrounding death, burial, and mourning to be aware of when attending a funeral in the Jewish faith. 

Rachel Held Evans (1981–2019), best-selling progressive Christian author

Rachel Held Evans was a best-selling progressive Christian author who inspired many with her writings on the church and faith in our modern world.

Top Religious Funeral Songs

The relationship between funerals and music is incredibly powerful. Funeral songs can provide family and friends a sense of peace and comfort at a difficult time. Often the songs selected for a funeral or memorial service are spiritual and speak to the deceased's faith in God. Here are 10 of the most beloved religious songs played or performed at funerals, memorial services, and celebrations of life.

Easter bombing of Christian churches in Sri Lanka (2019)

A terror attack on Easter Sunday in various Sri Lanka locations left 290 people dead and hundreds injured.

Christchurch, New Zealand Shooting Victims (2019)

At least 49 were killed in a terrorist attack at two mosques.

Sikh Funeral Service Rituals

Will you be attending a Sikh funeral for the first time? Here is an overview of the general Sikh customs and traditions surrounding death, burial, and mourning to be aware of when attending a funeral.

Hindu Funeral Service Rituals

Will you be attending a Hindu funeral for the first time? Hinduism is the world’s third largest religion, with over a billion followers. Here is an overview of the general Hindu customs and traditions surrounding death, burial, and mourning to be aware of when attending a funeral.

Bishop Joseph Howze (1923–2019), pioneering African-American bishop

The first black bishop in the 20th century to head a U.S. diocese.

Sister Wendy Beckett (1930–2018), nun became a BBC TV star

Sister Wendy’s art history documentaries aired on PBS in America.

Tree of Life Congregation Shooting Victims (2018)

11 people were killed, and six others wounded, when a gunman opened fire on the congregation attending services at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. This was the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in the United States, according to the Anti-Defamation League and Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

Frederick D. Reese (1929–2018), civil rights activist led Selma’s “Courageous Eight”

Frederick D. Reese, early civil rights activist and leader of Selma’s “Courageous Eight,” died Thursday, April 5, 2018, according to the Associated Press. He was 88.

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr., who was murdered 50 years ago today on April 4, 1968, is one of the most revered figures in American history. Born the son of a civil rights activist, he became one himself, inspired by the teachings of Jesus to dedicate his life to the service of others.

Craig Mack (1970–2018), "Flava in Ya Ear" rapper

WALTERBORO, S.C. (AP) — Former rapper Craig Mack, best known for the platinum 1994 hit "Flava in Ya Ear" has died in South Carolina.

Rev. Billy Graham (1918–2018), preacher who counseled U.S. presidents

MONTREAT, N.C. (AP) — The Rev. Billy Graham, who transformed American religious life through his preaching and activism, becoming a counselor to presidents and the most widely heard Christian evangelist in history, died Wednesday. He was 99.

Bernard Law (1931 – 2017), disgraced former archbishop of Boston

Cardinal Bernard Law, the disgraced former archbishop of Boston who was the central authority figure in the American Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal, died Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, according to the Vatican. He was 86.

Wayne Cochran (1939 – 2017), known as the “White Knight of Soul”

Pearl Jam had a hit song with a cover of Cochran’s “Last Kiss”…

235 Egyptians killed in terror attack on Al Rawda mosque

Militants murder Sufi Muslim worshipers in Sinai Peninsula.

Egypt Church Bombing Victims

Bombings killed at least 44 people at two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt, according to multiple news sources.

Pakistan Sufi Shrine Bombing Victims

At least 83 people died in a suicide bombinginside the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan, Pakistan.

Quebec Mosque Shooting Victims

A shooting Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, at a mosque in Quebec City, Canada, has left at least six people dead, according to Quebec Provincial Police.

Cairo Cathedral Bombing Victims

At least 25 people have died, and dozens more were wounded early Sunday in a bombing attack in a Coptic church in Cairo, Egypt, according to CNN and the government-sponsored Al-Ahram news outlet.